§ 7. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the latest figure of the number of males unemployed in Newport, Gwent; and what percentage of the male working population in Newport this represents.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsOn 10 February male unemployment in the Newport travel-to-work area totalled 10,309 or 18.2 per cent.
§ Mr. HughesThose figures are simply appalling, but, in addition, a further 350 male jobs are now to go at Alcan Rogerstone. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to impress on the management of that plant the defence implications of the proposed closure? Surely the recent Falklands experience should make us realise that more than just commercial expediency must be considered with regard to this proposal.
§ Mr. EdwardsWhile I understand that the hon. Gentleman is concerned about the loss of the extrusion facilities and its effect on defence, I am informed by the company that the bulk of the extrusion facilities will be transferred to other plants, except in cases where it does not see a commercial future, and that, in any case, the main manufacturing facility which is causing concern to the hon. Gentleman will not be needed for a long time to come because the particular product is tending to be made of carbon fibre, not of aluminium.